Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the ongoing Interstate 74 (I-74) Mississippi River Bridge replacement project:
“Recent reports of the ongoing dispute between the Iowa Department of Transportation and the primary contractor for the main bridge construction, Lunda, regarding the construction of the I-74 Bridge have been troubling. We appreciate the clarifying information released this week by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which noted that the question of ‘constructability’ is a contract dispute and does not indicate that a bridge cannot be built in a safe manner. As construction of the I-74 bridge continues, all parties involved must consider the safety and overall success of the project to be of the highest priority. We urge both Lunda and the Iowa Department of Transportation to expeditiously come to an agreement on the design and construction of the bridge that is both safe and as close to on-budget and on-time as possible. Additionally, we strongly encourage both parties to utilize project partners such as the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Highways Administration to help navigate any disagreements.”
BACKGROUND
Construction to replace the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge began in 2017. Construction on the new bridge was significantly delayed following severe winter weather and historic flooding in the spring.
***Report Courtesy of the United States Congress***
